The Quantum Exodus: Jewish Fugitives, the Atomic Bomb, and the Holocaust Reprint Edition
Author(s): Gordon Fraser (Author)
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication Date: 7 April 2016
Edition: Reprint
Language: English
Print length: 276 pages
ISBN-10: 0198768001
ISBN-13: 9780198768005
Book Description
It was no accident that the Holocaust and the Atomic Bomb happened at the same time. When the Nazis came into power in 1933, their initial objective was not to get rid of Jews. Rather, their aim was to refine German culture: Jewish professors and teachers at fine universities were sacked. Atomic science had attracted a lot of Jewish talent, and as Albert Einstein and other quantum exiles scattered, they realized that they held the key to a weapon of unimaginable power. Convinced that their gentile counterparts in Germany had come to the same conclusion, and having witnessed what the Nazis were prepared to do, the exiles were afraid. They had to get to the Atomic Bomb first. The Nazis meanwhile had acquired a more pressing objective: their persecution of the Jews had evolved into extermination. Two dreadful projects – the Bomb and the Holocaust – became locked a grisly race.
Editorial Reviews
Review
A stimulating read, bringing forward some developments of the physics of the last 100 years in their political, cultural and historical context. ― Stefan L. Wolff, Physik Journal
Fraser is excellent in presenting a tapestry of personal fates, scientific contributions and the relevant political facts in the age of the Second World War. ―
Ulrich Charpa, Times Literary Supplement
Like me, older readers who have known many of the protagonists, will not avoid poignant emotions. For young readers, the book is recommended because they will learn many historical facts that should not be forgotten. ―
Herwig Schopper, CERN Courier
A provocative new book. ―
Nature Physics
…fascinating… ―
Jeremy Bernstein, Wall Street Journal
This book tells one of the most important stories of the twentieth century with the panache and pacing of a beach thriller. Gorder Fraser shifts with ease from the innermost realms of nuclear physics to the migrations – and torments – of entire nations. Deep, difficult waters are explored without flinching. ―
Simon Hands, Swansea University, UK
Review
A stimulating read, bringing forward some developments of the physics of the last 100 years in their political, cultural and historical context. ― Stefan L. Wolff, Physik Journal
Fraser is excellent in presenting a tapestry of personal fates, scientific contributions and the relevant political facts in the age of the Second World War. ―
Ulrich Charpa, Times Literary Supplement
Like me, older readers who have known many of the protagonists, will not avoid poignant emotions. For young readers, the book is recommended because they will learn many historical facts that should not be forgotten. ―
Herwig Schopper, CERN Courier
A provocative new book. ―
Nature Physics
…fascinating… ―
Jeremy Bernstein, Wall Street Journal
This book tells one of the most important stories of the twentieth century with the panache and pacing of a beach thriller. Gorder Fraser shifts with ease from the innermost realms of nuclear physics to the migrations – and torments – of entire nations. Deep, difficult waters are explored without flinching. ―
Simon Hands, Swansea University, UK
About the Author
Gordon Fraser (the late) was for many years the in-house editor at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, in Geneva. His books on popular science and scientists include Cosmic Anger, a biography of Abdus Salam, the first Muslim Nobel scientist, and Antimatter: The Ultimate Mirror. He was also the editor of The New Physics for the 21st Century and The Particle Century. After undergraduate studies at Imperial College, London, he went on to a PhD in theoretical particle physics, and has worked as a research scientist as well as a journalist.
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